The Republican / File photoSpringfield Mayor Domenic Sarno delivered the first mid-term "State of the City" address since taking office in January of 2008.

SPRINGFIELD - While acknowledging serious challenges ahead, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno used a “State of the City” address on Monday to tout various accomplishments ranging from new police and fire academies to ongoing school construction projects.

Sarno delivered the prepared speech Monday in the City Council chambers at City Hall, attended by many department heads, civic and business representatives, and a single city councilor, Melvin A. Edwards.

“I believe that we are poised for a period of sustained growth that will ultimately transform our city, create jobs, revitalize our neighborhoods and expand our tax base,” Sarno said. “I am proud of all that we have accomplished together. But my administration will not rest on its laurels. There is much more work to be done.”

While Sarno has delivered inauguration speeches, this was his first mid-term “State of the City” address since taking office in January of 2008.

Related link

The address follows the recent announcement that City Council President Jose F. Tosado is a candidate for mayor this year, and School Committee member Antonette Pepe is considering a run for mayor. Sarno has stated he will seek re-election to a third term.

Sarno said the city is “strong and is steadily improving” despite declining revenues and “in the face of the worst global economy since the Great Depression.”

Edwards said the speech acknowledged some of the problems that exist in Springfield, including the need to do more to improve public safety. The speech focused on many of the positives including an improved bond rating in Springfield, and the hiring of additional police and firefighters, he said.

In his speech, Sarno asked that everyone be a watchdog on crime, saying that crime fighting “is a shared responsibility.”

Sarno listed accomplishments under his administration as including: a lower total tax levy in fiscal 2011, marking the first decline in the levy since 1983; the start of construction of a $114 million Putnam Vocational Technical High School; beginning design on a $32 million renovation/expansion of Forest Park Middle School; and demolition of blighted properties.

In addition, he touted tax incentive agreements to help preserve jobs at Titeflex, and to help bring 225 jobs and a planned $63 million investment at Smith & Wesson; completion of a $17 million State Street corridor improvement project; a $5.5 million redevelopment of the Main Street corridor in the South End; and improved student performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests.

Judith A. Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield, said she was “somewhat surprised” that just one of 13 councilors attended, although all were believed to be invited. Two responded that they had school or work conflicts

Sarno offered some “uplifting remarks” and left the message that Springfield is making the best of difficult economic times, Matt said.